Breadcrumb

Exhibition Hall

Exhibition Hall is home to the only exhibition in the world dedicated to telling the story of the United States Congress and the U.S. Capitol. Exhibition Hall features original documents and artifacts, videos, touchable models, computer interactives and two small theaters that provide visitors with an in-depth look at how Congress works, the history of the Capitol and Congress, as well as information on Representatives and Senators.

Why does the U.S. Constitution separate the government into three branches? At the nation’s founding, the Constitution’s framers understood that executive, legislative, and judicial responsibilities differed, and they provided for these distinct functions. They also believed that concentrating authority in one body would result in tyranny. They therefore divided the government into legislative, executive, and judicial branches, so that no single part would become too strong, and empowered each to limit or “check” the powers of the others. This exhibit examines Congress’s unique role and the ways in which it can balance or dynamically shape and challenge the powers of other two branches.